Interview with Cheynne Murphy
The Rails, Byron | Sunday 7pm | Free
Headlights and Goodbyes is the new EP from north coast folk rocker Cheynne Murphy. He plays the Rails this week as part of his local launch.
What was the inspiration for Headlights and Goodbyes?
It was really the title track Headlights and Goodbyes that explores the notion of moving forward with the simultaneous feelings of nostalgia and a yearning for what is being left behind. Memories are like a rearview mirror when you are driving. They can be a good reflection and perhaps there are things that do need to be addressed from the past in order to move forward. Ultimately though we are using the headlights to show what is coming ahead. The song itself is based on a domestic-violence situation and explores the simultaneous feelings of the pain in saying goodbye but the freedom of letting go.
How did you get Jeff Martin of the Tea Party to come and record some guest guitar on the EP?
It was really just serendipity at play. My producer Paul Pilsneniks and I were mixing the track in his home studio. He was living on the same property as Jeff up in the hills of Byron. Jeff knocked on the door while we were finishing recording Mark Heazlett’s rhythm guitar and politely offered to add B-bender guitar as a finishing touch. It’s a unique sound and it added great atmosphere to the track. He has always been a great musical inspiration to me so it was quite a surreal moment. He ended playing on most of the tracks.
What was the overall feel you were looking for in the EP?
Authentic, raw, acoustic folk rock. Most of the takes were recorded live in two sessions and then we touched it up later.
What should we expect for your gig at the Rails?
We have the band that recorded the EP playing. Longtime collaborators Mark Heazlett on guitars and vocals, and Mat Akehurst on drums, plus Ben Brennan (Walrus and the Carpenter / Resin Dogs) on bass. Maybe even some special guests. Early Christmas cheer and some loose folk rock. Probably a few harmonies too.
You can catch Cheynne Murphy at the Rails on Sunday at 7pm.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
